Pro-Pain is an American heavy metal band based in New York City, formed in 1991 by vocalist and bassist Gary Meskil and drummer Dan Richardson, both former members of Crumbsuckers.Strong, Martin C. (2001) The Great Metal Discography, MOJO Books, , p. 431-2
History Their debut album Foul Taste of Freedom was released in 1992, displaying hardcore punk and rap metal influences,Huey, Steve "Foul Taste of Freedom Review", AllMusic. Retrieved January 27, 2011 after which the band was signed to Roadrunner Records, who reissued the album the following year.Larkin, Colin (2000) The Virgin Encyclopedia of Nineties Music, Virgin Books, , p. 316-7 Their second album The Truth Hurts was initially banned due to the sleeve artwork, featuring a picture of a stitched-up woman after an autopsy.
The band has released several more albums with a varying line-up over the years, with Meskil being the only constant member. The self-produced album Act of God saw the band signed to Nuclear Blast Records after they had relocated to Sarasota, Florida. The same label released Round 6 in 2000 and the live album Road Rage in 2001.Prato, Greg "Act of God Review", AllMusic. Retrieved January 27, 2011 In 2004, they released their first album for Candlelight Records, Fistful of Hate. Tom Klimchuck left the band in 2011 due to "unexpected circumstances regarding some potentially serious health issues." He had since been replaced by Adam Phillips of Indorphine, who stayed until 2019 when current guitarist Greg Discenza replaced him. On 3 July 2017, Gary Meskil was the victim of a robbery and attempted murder in Belgium while on tour with Pro-Pain in support of their 2015 album Voice of Rebellion. Pro-Pain remains active to this day, and the band released their first studio album in 11 years, Stone Cold Anger, in 2026.
Band members
Current Gary Meskil – bass, vocals (1991–present) Eric Klinger – rhythm guitar (1999–2007, 2024–present) Greg Discenza – lead guitar (2019–present) Jonas Sanders – drums (2012–present)
Former Tom Klimchuck – lead and rhythm guitar (1991–1994, 1996–2011) Dan Richardson – drums (1991–1997) Nick St. Denis – guitar (1994–1995) Mike Hollman – guitar (1994–1995) Rob Moschetti – guitar (1996–1998) Dave Chavarri – drums (1997–1998) Mike Hanzel – drums (1998) Eric Matthews – drums (1999–2003) Rich Ferjanic – drums (2003–2004) JC Dwyer – drums (2004–2009) Rick Halverson – drums (2009–2011) Marshall Stephens – guitar (2007–2016) Adam Phillips – guitar (2011–2019) Matt Sheridan – rhythm guitar (2016–2024)
Timeline
Discography Studio albums Foul Taste of Freedom (1992), Energy/Roadrunner Records The Truth Hurts (1994), Energy/Roadrunner Contents Under Pressure (1996), Energy/Concrete Pro-Pain (1998), High Gain/Mayhem Act of God (1999), High Gain/Nuclear Blast Records Round 6 (2000), Nuclear Blast/Spitfire Shreds of Dignity (2002), Nuclear Blast Fistful of Hate (2004), Continental/Candlelight Prophets of Doom (2005), Continental Age of Tyranny – The Tenth Crusade (2007), Continental/Candlelight No End in Sight (2008), Continental Absolute Power (2010), Continental/Regain Straight to the Dome (2012), Sunny Bastards/Nuclear Blast The Final Revolution (2013), SPV Steamhammer Voice of Rebellion (2015), SPV Steamhammer Stone Cold Anger (2026), Napalm Records
Live albums Road Rage (2001), Nuclear Blast/Spitfire
Compilation albums Best of Pro-Pain (1998), High-Gain/Mayhem Best of Pro-Pain II (2005), Candlelight 20 Years of Hardcore (2011), AFM
Tribute albums Run for Cover (2003), Spitfire
DVD Raw Video (2001 (EU) / 2004 (US)), Nuclear Blast/Candlelight
References
External links
Official website [ Pro-Pain] at AllMusic Interview with Gary Meskil